Obituary: ANDERSON, JOSEPH ANDREW JR.

Joseph Andrew Anderson JrNov. 1, 1921 ~ Dec. 19, 2011Joseph Andrew Anderson Jr., a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend was called home on Monday December 19, 2011 after 90 years of valiant service. He left this life after a courageous fight with pneumonia, surrounded by his family in the early morning hours that he loved so much. We have lost a true hero. Joe was born November 1, 1921, in Logan, Utah, to Millicent Wilmore and Joseph Andrew Anderson Sr., their third child and only son. He graduated from Utah State University with Honors, where he was Freshman Class President, Blue Key President, and a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi honorary fraternity. He attended business school at Stanford University.Joe loved his Country, and willingly served as a soldier in World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and after being wounded received a Purple Heart. His passion for freedom and the principles he fought for were evident to all who knew him throughout his life. He loved nature, and enjoyed fishing with family and friends. He often recalled fond memories of his early years working at Signal Mountain Lodge and Jenny Lake in Teton National Park. Joe began running as a young man, and continued to run in the early morning hours even after his 90th birthday.At a very young age Joe learned the value of hard work; he never forgot the lessons he learned as a young boy raising chickens. As a youth he worked at the family store in Logan, beginning a lifelong passion for retailing. He worked for 37 years at ZCMI, starting as an Assistant Buyer in Piece Goods, ultimately becoming the first Store Manager of the first branch store at Cottonwood Mall, and concluding his career as Company President and Executive Vice Chairman of the Board. He was beloved by the members of his ZCMI family, and showed the same respect to each employee, regardless of their position or tenure. The National Business Women's Club designated him "Boss of the Year". He served as the Director of the National Retailer Merchants Association in New York City.While working at ZCMI he met the love of his life, Gwen Elsie Smith. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 29, 1954. They were blessed with seven children, and spent 57 wonderful, loving years together.Joe valued his community, and applied his tireless work ethic and ability to gather great people around him to a variety of organizations. He helped to strengthen Westminster College, Utah Opera Company, LDS Fitness Board, Amicus, Deseret Foundation, and others. He was a proud member of the Salt Lake Rotary Club for many years, and served as the President of the Lions Club. He served as Chairman of the Board of Utah Youth Village, and on the Board of Directors at Zion's Bank. Utah State University's Business board honored him as Alumni of the Year. Joe was always one to share the praise for a job well done, and worked hard behind the scenes to get things accomplished. All who were privileged to work by his side remember his integrity.Joe was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life, serving in a wide variety of callings. Joe and Gwen spent seven dedicated years serving in the Salt Lake Temple. Despite numerous leadership opportunities, a favorite calling was working as the Cub Master. He built numerous Pinewood Derby cars with his sons. His life was marked by a desire to serve. Joe was notorious for shoveling many neighborhood driveways (and occasional rooftops). Unquestionably, Joe's greatest passion in life was loving and serving his family and his Savior.He is survived by his wife Gwen, his children Brian (Melinda), Jodi (J.C.) Cheney, Paul (Karen), Brad (Robyn), Stacey (Doug) Kasteler, Jeff, and Tiffani (Matt) Thomas, 36 Grandchildren, seven Great Grandchildren and his sister Nedra Mazuran. Preceded in death by his loving parents and his sister Ruth Mae Watkins.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe's name to the Utah Youth Village through any Zion's Bank. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 23, 2011, at 11:00 am at the Mount Olympus Stake Center, 3836 Oakview Drive. Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah and at the church on Friday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.